The Mende migrated from the north in the 16th century to settle in Sierra Leone on the western coast of Africa. Some also settled in Liberia as well as on the West Coast of Guinea. Artistically the Mende are known for their highly celebrated elaborately detailed black helmet masks with extensive coiffeurs worn by members of the female Sande society. These masks named sowei are carved by men but amazing enough worn by only women during ceremony! This is a very unusual occurrence in Africa. Women are rarely allowed to wear masks at all and when they do they don't ever wear masks that completely conceal the face! Amazingly enough again is the fact that we can offer an art selection from the Mende other than a helmet mask or statue. This is rare because when it comes to Mende art the usual gallery's focus is always on their masks. On display before you is a beautifully crafted, nicely aged hard wood Mende stool. Blackened in correct Mende fashion the seat has an interesting and well thought out construction. On display before you is a beautifully crafted, nicely aged hard wood Mende stool. Blacked in correct Mende fashion the seat has an interesting and well thought out construction. The mothers cradle or seat top slopes gently downward providing comfortable seating.

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Dimensions: 18 inches across x 11 1/2 inches tall x 10 inches deep. 

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